Posted on 12/23/2005 10:42:26 AM PST by SandRat
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Dec. 22, 2005) Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston brought his Sergeant Major of the Armys Hope and Freedom Tour 2005 to Bagram Airfield Dec. 17.
Joining him on this tour was Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves Michele Jones, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, Keni Thomas, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Al Franken, Traylor Howard, SoulJahz, two Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and members of the U.S. Army Band, Pershings Own.
I just want the service members to know that they arent forgotten, and that someone cares about them and supports them, said Thomas. When troops are in a situation like this theyre not fighting to be heroes, they are thinking of their sense of duty and fighting for those people on their left and right.
Ranger veterans lend voices on tour
This tour had some prior service members on it who know what the troops are going through and just wanted to be part of bringing them some holiday cheer and letting them know that their efforts are not in vain.
In Oct. 1993, Thomas and fellow Army Rangers participated in an 18-hour firefight in Mogadishu, Somalia, which was recounted in the book and movie Black Hawk Down. Thomas said he served in the Army from 1991 to 1997, his whole time in was spent in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Thomas added that for a song to be good it needs to be based off real experiences and his album Flags of Our Fathers, reflects on his time in the service. A majority of the sales profit goes to the Hero Fund, a charity for families of Special Operations Soldiers.
Morgan, who served as an Army Ranger from 1985 to 1996, wrote a song entitled Paradise about his time in Panama during Operation Just Cause. While out on tours like this one, Morgan said he sees many old battle-buddies who are still in the military.
While doing these shows for the military and running into old friends I feel slightly guilty, like I should be out there with them still, but with my singing career Im doing so much more for them, said Morgan. Keni (Thomas) and I both are able to raise money for the troops and their families. We also help to spread the military story to a wider audience.
All of the entertainers on the tour feel it is a privilege to entertain and meet the troops, added Morgan. Thanks to the efforts of service members worldwide, the celebrities on the tour are able to do what they do.
Morale motivation
I got to meet the Sergeant Major of the Army and many of the celebrities while pulling security for the show, said Pfc. Beth Yanka, a customs agent with the 164th Military Police Company. They were all very friendly and just kept thanking me and the other service members for doing our job.
Another Soldier, Spc. Charles Winscott, a Black Hawk crew chief with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, said that the USO tour was a great break from the normal day-to-day activities. Any time celebrities come to visit with the troops they get excited because its someone new and different.
Seeing them helps to motivate me and keep me going, said Winscott. Its that link to home and knowing, despite what we see on the news, that we are supported in the thoughts and prayers of those back home.
Historically, the holiday season around Christmas time is a tough time of year for service members separated from their families, said Preston. The three sergeants major used this tour to meet with their troops because in the end they are the voices for their service members.
Our mission is to personally thank the service members and let them know that their leaders are a 100 percent behind them, said Preston. Three of our main missions are to tell the military story, get the troops public recognition, and spread more good news stories. Bringing the USO tours to the deployed service members helps to support these missions.
If anyone says that the service members are fighting and dying in vain, than theyre invalidating everything that weve ever fought for and still fight for, said Thomas. Because of the men and women on your right and left, you are here and every day after you leave the service youll still be thanking them for being here with you today.
(Editors note; Spc. Tiffany Evans serves with the 20th Public Affairs Detachment.)
Keeping up the Troops Morale
So what was Al Franken doing there?
Hopefully, keeping his mouth shut and staying the hell out of the way of the REAL Americans getting the job done.
}:-)4
Punching bag?
Telling bad jokes and trying to play both sides of the issue - Libs quote "We support the Troops but not the mission."
PFC:"Darn... I didn't know it was loaded!"
SGT:"You couldn't tell that AT4 was live?!?"
PFC"Sorry Sarge. Do you think anyone will notice Franken missing?"
SGT:"Ummmm....."
Joining him on this tour was Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves Michele Jones, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada, Keni Thomas, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Al Franken, Traylor Howard, SoulJahz, two Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and members of the U.S. Army Band, Pershings Own.
Thank You so much and I wish you and yours a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Another Sgt/Major of the Army, Ret.
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm
(See 1st Photo)
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Thank You :-)
CSM Basil Plumley, 1/7 Cav, at PLEIKU Airstrip immediately after Victory at IA DRANG, and during the Battle at LZ ALBANY.
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You are correct, Calpernia.
Battle of IA DRANG-1965 Sgt/Major BASIL PLUMLEY, played by actor SAM ELLIOTT in "WE WERE SOLDIERS,"
...went on to become Sgt/Major of the Army.
Actor SAM ELLIOTT Photo:
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm
.
So,... are you Spc. Tiffany Evans serving with the 20th Public Affairs Detachment?
All I did was put up the thread on FR from the Army.mil web site. I go through all the .mil site news almost every evening after I get home from work putting up threads -- got to spread the good news atound somehow since the MSM doesn't seem to want to.
Your depiction of Al Franken is a far-far-far different one from the at home public persona he's presented. From his wild words on Air-America, assaulting a protester during the '04 campaign, the uncivil manner/tone of his books and his deportment towards Radio-TV hosts he disagrees with.
Yes I am Spc. Tiffany Evans. Yeah he really took us all by surprise. But the Sgt. Major of the Army asked him to come also so we knew he couldn't be to bad. I don't agree with his views on most things, but how he treated us and what he did was beyond what most people do.
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